Temperature regulated clothing

a technology of temperature regulation and clothing, applied in the direction of garments, heater elements, heating types, etc., can solve the problems of excessive bulky and heavy clothing, clothing uncomfortable for users, and increased cost of insulation

Inactive Publication Date: 2007-03-06
PHOENIX CONSULTANTS
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]The present invention provides, e.g., portable temperature regulated articles of clothing. The clothing of the invention can include, e.g., a Peltier effect thermo-electric module, an electronic temperature control system, and one or more circulating coolant loops. The present invention includes, e.g., methods of regulating the temperature of clothing.

Problems solved by technology

Excessively hot or cold conditions can make clothing uncomfortable for the user.
However, in very cold environments, the required insulation can become prohibitively bulky and heavy.
The problem is particularly pronounced in boots and mittens where thick insulation can hinder walking and reduce dexterity.
Accumulated water can be uncomfortable and reduce the insulating qualities of the clothing.
Such a device can present a fire danger, starts slowly, and requires excessive attention from the user.
This boot has bulky duct structures, lacks thermostatic control, and the heat energy is limited to the battery charge.
Such breathing panels are limited to release of hot moist air but do not directly cool the feet.
Breathing panels do not seal the clothing and can allow rain to enter the clothing.
However, the suit is sealed and bulky, causing the pilot to overheat while the jet sits with the engine and climate control systems off during preflight preparations.
This “g”-suit does not provide direct temperature control of extremities.
Furthermore, the heat transfer efficiency of the Peltier effect elements compromised by the lack of heat conduction and dissipation systems.

Method used

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Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

example 1

Methods of Cooling

[0075]A TEM is incorporated into, e.g., the sole of a shoe and direct current voltage is applied across the TEM from a battery mounted in the heal. The polarity of the voltage is selected so that the cold TEM side faces inside the shoe. A user puts on the shoe. Heat is transferred from the user's foot to the sole of the shoe where is can be conducted into the external environment.

[0076]The efficiency of cooling is increased by bonding a heat conducting plate, e.g., on the inside of the TEM. The heat conducting plate can have a larger surface area than the TEM to collect (or disperse) heat over a wide area within the shoe. The heat conducting plate is made of an aluminum sheet to rapidly conduct heat to the TEM.

[0077]The efficiency of cooling can be increased by installing one or more circulating coolant loops into the shoe. An internal heat exchanger is mounted under the TEM to absorb heat transferred from the foot. A circulation pump is mounted in the heal of the ...

example 2

Methods of Warming

[0079]A TEM is incorporated into the, e.g., palm of a mitten and a DC voltage is applied across the TEM from a battery mounted on the cuff. The polarity of the voltage is selected so that the warm TEM side faces inside the mitten. A user puts on the mitten. Resistive heat is generated within the TEM and transferred to the hand. Ambient heat from the surrounding air is also transferred to the user's hand by the TEM.

[0080]The efficiency of warming is increased by bonding heat conducting plate 20 inside of the TEM, as shown in FIG. 8. The heat conducting plate has a larger surface area than the TEM to distribute heat over a wider area within the mitten. The heat conducting plate is made of a fine flexible stainless steel mesh to rapidly conduct heat from the TEM.

[0081]The efficiency of warming is increased by installing a circulating coolant loop into the mitten. External heat exchanger 40 is mounted on the back exterior of the mitten to absorb heat from the ambient a...

example 3

Temperature Regulated Clothing with Dual Heat Exchange Circulations

[0083]The presence of circulating coolant loops on each side of the TEM in temperature regulated clothing can, e.g., enhance the efficiency of TEM operation, and allow heat transfer to broader or more remote locations of the clothing. The circulation of coolant fluid within two or more coolant loops can be driven by one or more circulation pumps.

[0084]A dual circulating loop heat exchange system for temperature regulated clothing is shown in FIG. 9. Such systems can operate essentially as in previous examples, but with a second circulating loop replacing the heat conductor plate. The dual circulating loop system includes, e.g., TEM 90 in contact on one side with external heat exchange circulating coolant loop 91, and in contact on the other side with internal heat exchange circulating coolant loop 92.

[0085]Circulation pump 93 is a dual action pump providing circulation in both coolant loops. Piston plate 94 is slidab...

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PUM

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Abstract

Temperature regulated clothing with a thermo-electric module that can be configured to transfer heat to or from the inside of the clothing. The clothing can include, e.g., a control system to maintain a desired internal clothing temperature. The clothing can have, e.g., a circulating coolant system to enhance the rate and/or efficiency of heat transfer.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to and benefit of prior U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 401,878, “Temperature Regulated Clothing”, by Richard Martin, filed Aug. 7, 2002. The full disclosure of the prior application is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention is in the field of temperature controlled clothing. The present invention relates to, e.g., clothing warmed or cooled with a battery powered thermoelectric module which transfers heat using the Peltier effect. The temperature controlled clothing of the invention can have, e.g., an integrated circuit to maintain a set temperature. The clothing of the invention can have, e.g., a heat exchange system to increase the efficiency of the temperature control systems.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Excessively hot or cold conditions can make clothing uncomfortable for the user. Current solutions to the problem center around garment designs that provide ...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Patents(United States)
IPC IPC(8): H05B3/34A41D13/00A41D19/00A41D19/015A42B1/24A43B3/35A43B7/34F24F5/00F25B21/02
CPCA43B3/0005A43B7/34A43B7/04A43B7/005A43B3/35A43B3/34
Inventor MARTIN, RICHARD
Owner PHOENIX CONSULTANTS
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